Berkshire football: Sam Barcikoski taking crash-course reps as Badgers’ new quarterback

Sam Barcikoski is wasting no moments this summer as he prepares to take over at quarterback this season for the Badgers. (Brian Fisher For The News-Herald)

Sam Barcikoski is taking every moment this summer as a learning experience.

After hitting a teammate across the middle for a touchdown in a recent 7-on-7 at Great Lakes Cheese Stadium, the junior quarterback for the Badgers trotted back to the huddle to get additional instruction from coaches Josh DeWeese and Nick Burzanko.

A year ago as a sophomore, Barcikoski played in only three games before breaking his ankle in the third junior varsity game of the season. Now he slated to be the Badgers’ starting quarterback in the 2024 season, replacing two-time All-Ohioan Miles Miller.

Barcikoski is short on experience because of his season-ending injury, so that makes this summer and August’s preseason camp that much more important.

“A lot of learning opportunities,” Barcikoski said. “I’m learning how good our line is, our receivers, what routes we can hit and can’t hit. Obviously I don’t have much experience, but hopefully I can get to that before the season starts.”

Miller departs Berkshire with back-to-back dynamic seasons in which he ran for 1,694 yards and 26 touchdowns while also throwing for 2,460 yards and 30 touchdowns. Barcikoski said he doesn’t have to “replace” Miller, but rather be his own man and guide the offense to the best of his ability.

DeWeese agreed.

“Sam has to manage the offense, find the open receivers in the right moments, take advantage of play-action and get the ball to the guys who need it,” the Badgers’ head coach said.

Having a returning 1,000-yard rusher in Justin Phillips next to him in the backfield is key, as is an experienced offensive line in front of him that includes the likes of two-time All-Ohioan Jason Brent, Caleb Corbett, Vinny Crea and Danny Tiller, among others.

DeWeese said the Badgers’ deep tight end room, which boasts Andrew Kimpton, Brady Wadsworth and Abram Southern will be a strength that will help Barcikoski as well.

But more than anything, the June, July and early August reps are of the utmost importance to get the team’s new signal-caller up to speed.

“Get as many reps out here as possible,” DeWeese said. “That’s the goal of these 7-on-7s and our mini-camps. It’s all about getting reps over and over and commanding the offense.”

Berkshire opens the season Aug. 23 against Cuyahoga Heights. Barcikoski said “the sky is the limit” for he and his teammates. He can’t wait to run onto the field for his first varsity start.

“There will be a lot of pressure,” he said. “But I’m ready for it. I love doing this.”